The Duke's Mansion sprawled over an enormous area, its hundreds of rooms, large and small, arranged in an orderly pattern. Divided into a front court, central court, and rear court, it formed numerous courtyards that were independent yet interconnected.
Anyone who took the trouble to draw a simple map of the Duke's Mansion would surely discover the grandeur of its scale and the ingenuity of its design. (PS: A simple map of the Duke's Mansion has been uploaded to the Qidian reader community.)
The sun shone brightly, and the spring breeze brushed against their faces, warm and pleasant.
Chen Xiaojun crossed the little garden, his steps light as he headed toward the large courtyard on the right side of the central court.
This large courtyard was further divided into several smaller ones, much like their living arrangements at the Academy. He shared one with Zhu Wuneng and Dugu Fu. Next door was the courtyard of the three brothers, Chen Mu, Chen Bin, and Chen Shurui. A little farther along was Xiao Yi and Su Ningxia's cozy little nest.
Before he drew near, he faintly heard laughter, its cheerful notes carrying a sense of warmth and joy.
Chen Xiaojun quickened his steps and entered his little courtyard. At a glance, he spotted a familiar figure with a heart-shaped face, lovely features, and seductive peach-blossom eyes that seemed to send out sparks-Liu Ruyan!
Liu Ruyan and Xiao Yi were sitting in the pavilion, chatting, with Su Ningxia and Gao Cuilan keeping them company.
They laughed and talked together in perfect harmony.
Beside Liu Ruyan sat a little girl who looked two or three years old. She was as exquisitely sculpted as pink jade and utterly adorable.
The moment she saw Chen Xiaojun enter, she wriggled her little bottom and shuffled toward him